Gentle Heart Pet Clinic and Hotel

Gentle Heart Pet Clinic and Hotel is a veterinary practice at 1127 Shirken Dr in Iowa City that also offers overnight boarding. Owners looking for dog boarding in Iowa City with medical care close at hand will find both in one building. The practice describes itself as small and personal, and its boarding pages focus on comfort and attention.

What does a stay include?

Dogs stay in temperature-controlled suites with raised beds, blankets and toys. Staff do late-night bed checks that include a potty break and a bedtime snack. A streaming television plays in the kennel area to keep guests company.

• Private suites ranging from 5x10 to 15x15
• Onsite veterinarian and medical services during the stay
• Medication administration and special diets
• 24/7 supervision
• Hills Science Diet meals, or your dog's own food

Why board at a vet clinic?

The onsite veterinarian is the biggest difference here. If a dog gets sick or needs care during a stay, medical services are right there instead of across town. That matters most for older dogs, dogs on daily medication and dogs with health conditions.

The kennel serves Hills Science Diet, but owners can send their own food instead. Suite sizes vary, so there is room to match the size of the dog.

What should owners know before booking?

Nightly rates run from $50 to $120, based on the kennel's website. All boarding dogs must be current on their vaccinations. Bookings are handled by phone at (319) 354-6696, and the staff can also be reached at ghpcph@gmail.com.

Hours change from day to day, so check before planning a drop-off. The office opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday and Saturday are short days that end at 11:00 AM.